When it comes to pizza, the sauce totally makes it! Follow this easy recipe with step by step instructions for how to make the best pizza sauce.
In my personal opinion, the sauce can make or break a pizza. What about you?
Sure toppings are great but if the sauce isn’t good, no amount of cheese can save it. The pizza dough is important too so of course I’ve got you covered there. But today is all about the sauce.
I’ve tried pizza places and decided never to go back because the sauce just didn’t stack up. The same goes for the jarred stuff. It just does not hold a candle to making your own. With some tomato sauce, tomato paste and 20 minutes, you’ll be on your way to the best pizza sauce. Ever.
Easy Pizza Sauce Ingredients:
I’ve tested this recipe many, many times before perfecting it to make it just the way we like it. It’s savory and has a bit of a kick to it. That can be modified however, by leaving out the crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper.
- TOMATO SAUCE: This Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce starts with canned tomato sauce. Not pizza sauce or pasta sauce, simply regular tomato sauce.
- TOMATO PASTE: Will enhance the tomato flavor even more.
- DRIED OREGANO: Adds a bit of spicy, pungent flavor.
- DRIED BASIL: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- FENNEL SEED: Personally my favorite spice in this dish. It adds a subtle anise flavor. The pizza sauce is just not the same without it. Trust me.
- CRUSHED RED PEPPER/CAYENNE: These both add a touch of heat and you can omit them if desired.
- GARLIC: Instead of using powder, salt or granulated, I prefer to use fresh chopped garlic in my pizza sauce.
- SUGAR: Don’t worry! The sauce won’t be sweet. Adding sugar to tomato sauce helps create a more balanced flavor by cutting the acidity and bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- SALT/PEPPER: To taste.
Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
Making your own homemade pizza sauce is so easy! I do recommend cooking it, rather than just stirring everything together because cooking it gives the flavors more of a chance to develop. You’ll only need about 15 – 20 minutes but believe me, it’s totally worth it.
Combine all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes. 
Spread on pizza dough.
STEP #1: Combine all sauces in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
STEP #2: Use on your favorite pizza or as a dip for breadsticks.
I use this recipe when I make all different kinds of pizza. One of my favorite ways is to slather it on the top of my grilled pizza.
It is also great to spread on sandwiches or for dunking pizza crust and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Storage and Leftovers:
This pizza sauce keeps well in the refrigerator. Simply store it in an air tight container and use within a few days.
Looking for more pizza recipes? Check these out:
Grilled Kale and Sausage Pizza
Making your own sauces, dips and dressings is so easy! Here are some more of my favorites:
Note: This post was originally written in 2009. It was updated with tips, photos and nutrition facts in 2024.
Servings
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper depending on the amount of spice you like
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until it starts to bubble slightly, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Use on your favorite pizza.
[…] can’t say I would make this every time in place of pizza sauce, but I am tempted to try it and maybe just freeze […]
I need to try this immediately, it looks so good!
I really don’t like any of the jarred pizza sauce options! I always end up doctoring them. This homemade pizza sauce is perfect!
Homemade is the BEST!! This sounds incredibly delicious!!
Sauce makes the pizza! This one looks like a winner!
Love making homemade pizza sauce! So easy, fresh and delicious!
What a great recipe to have on hand! I an use this with so many things; looking forward to trying it out!
What a robust sauce! So easy and packed with flavor; can’t wait to try this out!
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You’re welcome!
I made this pizza sauce once and now it’s all I want to use! Our pizza was great with it! I had half a can of leftover tomato puree, so that’s what I used instead of the sauce and paste, but it still turned out fabulous! Thanks!
This sounds like a great mix. It’s make-your-own-pizza Friday night in my house and this recipe is getting put to good use shortly. Thanks for the post.
This should be good. I’m having a small little party and making the same thing for my sisters 16th birthday. The party is for whatever reason though. Thank you. I know this recipe won’t let me down.
[…] Jerk Pizza Sauce Adapted from Life’s Ambrosia […]
[…] Perfect Pizza Sauce: While my mozzarella addiction only intensifies with each bite, I also think the sauce can either make or break the pizza. For this reason I decided that I would make my own. One of the reasons that I am not a huge fan of store bought sauce is that they tend to be a little too sweet for me. With that said, I still add a little bit of sugar to cut the acidity of the tomatoes. That is just the beauty of making this at home, you can pick and chose the flavors you like. Recipe found at Life’s Ambrosia. […]
I’ve finally perfected pizza crust (sheesh, that only took 10 years!). Now I need to work on the sauce! Your recipe looks great. I love the addition of the allspice – I wouldn’t have thought to add that!
One of these days I need to try to make my own pizzas…something I haven’t done yet.
I agree with you.A great pizza sauce makes great pizza..